2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Oct 15, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Conservation Planning and Park Management (B.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Jennifer Zavaleta Cheek, Assistant Professor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory, Room 138
605-688-4996

Program Information

Conservation Planning and Park Management is an interdisciplinary science that trains students to develop conservation strategies at landscape scales.  This program will prepare students for careers in Park Management, Landscape Conservation Planning, Natural Areas Management, Land Use Planning, and as a Park Ranger, and Interpretive/Naturalist.

Course Delivery Format

Conservation Planning and Park Management coursework is delivered on-campus in lecture, discussion, and laboratory settings, and off-campus in numerous field-based settings.

Student Learning Outcomes


Conservation Planning and Park Management graduates will:

  • Demonstrate understanding of ecological and environmental principles required for management of natural resources for multiple-uses, including (but not limited to) wildlife habitat, water management, ecosystems services, recreation, and livestock production.
  • Describe how natural resource management fits into the context of society and how societal factors (e.g., economics, policy, laws, regulations, attitudes, behaviors, norms) influence natural resource management.
  • Lead and work with others as appropriate to successfully manage natural resources.
  • Demonstrate appropriate use of natural resource field & lab techniques as well as contemporary technology.
  • Analyze and critically evaluate data and other information.
  • Effectively communicate (both written and orally) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical responsibility that is necessary for a natural resource manager.

Requirements for Conservation Planning and Park Management Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science

Major Requirements


Major Electives


Select 21 credits from the following. Credits: 21

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements* 32 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 73 Credit Hours
Electives** 15 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.